lnhammer: the Chinese character for poetry, red on white background (Default)
[personal profile] lnhammer
A hermit returns to his lone bed,
Alone, his worries washed away.
He shares this with a high-flown bird
So it conveys afar his feelings—
But day and night, such futile thoughts,
For who can see his purity?
“Fliers and failures, they’re clearly parted—
What place consoles my loyalty?”

感遇 之三
幽人归独卧,
滞虑洗孤清,
持此谢高鸟,
因之传远情。
日夕怀空意,
人谁感至精?
飞沈理自隔,
何所慰吾诚?

This was written as the 2nd poem of a 12-poem set, added by later editors. The hermit represents the author in exile from court, and the bird a messenger who hopefully will convey his loyalty to the implied distant emperor. The allegorical ‘moving encounter’ genre feels a bit thin here.

—L.

Date: 5 June 2022 17:48 (UTC)
sartorias: (Default)
From: [personal profile] sartorias
My first thought was, Li Bai does being alone so much better. . .

Date: 8 June 2022 12:01 (UTC)
sartorias: (Default)
From: [personal profile] sartorias
I love the first three lines.

About

Warning: contents contain line-breaks.

As language practice, I like to translate poetry. My current project is Chinese, with practice focused on Tang Dynasty poetry. Previously this was classical Japanese, most recently working through the Kokinshu anthology (archived here). Suggestions, corrections, and questions always welcome.

There's also original pomes in the journal archives.

April 2025

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